Thankfully, the flailing forearm that wreaked so much damage on Stoke’s summer recruit should not prevent him from playing his part in Sunday’s “massive" game in Slovenia, where the Scots will be looking for a win that would leave them second behind England in Group F and in the play-offs for a place at next year’s finals in Russia.

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With victory over Slovakia leaving their destiny in their own hands, Fletcher said: "It's massive. This is only the first part of it.

"Everybody's delighted and excited and it's a great three points, but it's only half the job really. We've got to recover and go again with another really difficult game."

Elsewhere, young Stoke defender Ryan Sweeney was part of the Republic of Ireland under-21s team held to a goalless draw by Norway in a European Championships qualifier in Dubin. Sweeney is currently on a season-long loan with League One Bristol Rovers.